The announcement today by Lib Dem Energy Secretary Ed Davey that the Energy Bill will not contain a target to decarbonise the electricity industry by 2030 will sap investement confidence and damage Cambridge businesses, says Cambridge Labour’s Parliamentary spokesperson Daniel Zeichner.

Mr Zeichner, who is working with Shadow Energy Secretary Caroline Flint on Labour’s energy policies for the next election says that the industry is crying out for long-term certainty:

“Just a few weeks ago leading companies from across the UK pleaded with the Government to give them the long-term certainty they need to make the major investments which can secure our energy requirements and meet vital climate change targets. It beggars belief that the Government has ignored their plea, as well as the advice of the independent Climate Change Committee. For Cambridge, the leading cluster for innovative firms in this sector, this is a major disappointment. It is particularly disappointing that a ministry led by a Lib Dem minister has buckled under pressure from George Osborne and the Treasury. Yesterday, Ed Miliband gave a pledge that a Labour Government would take the necessary action. Those who want a clear long-term energy strategy now clearly need a Labour government in 2016.”